Not your ordinary Golf

The Volkwagen Golf R may look like a mainstream hatch from the outside, but it's actually a powerhouse that can keep up with the much bolder looking Honda Civic Type R and Subaru WRX STI. The German hatch mixes refinement with speed, all while flying under the radar with its subdued styling.

Under the sheetmetal, you'll find a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine making 292 hp, or 306 hp in this Euro-spec car we recently drove. Just as important as its power is how it rides on longer trips. In our recent review, we wrote, "The Golf R is confident, capable, and comfortable, a $42,000 pocket rocket that can crush continents with the aplomb of a premium sedan or coupe costing twice as much."

Check out the video above to find out why this special Golf is a worthy grand tourer, even at its high price point.